Makeup fiends know that when they hear the name “Anastasia”, it strictly means luxury eyebrow products for a mean, redefined arch or shape. In January 2015, Anastasia Beverly Hills expanded her cosmetics empire with the launch of her Liquid Lipstick line, starting with 19 shades. It was as anticipated as anything with the words “Urban Decay” and “Naked” in it. ABH was definitely hopping on the current liquid lip-matte finish trend, but does anything for her foray into lipstick redeem the $20 price tag?

Out of the 19 shades, many ABH wearers have pointed Pure Hollywood as one of the ultimate nude shades to have. But it’s a little on the light, pastel side for me.

When on display at Macy’s (where it’s exclusively sold at the moment in some cities), the colors range from lightest to vamp-iest. Milkshake to Potion. I said “absolutely not” to Milkshake and Pure Hollywood, even though I wanted to like them because of the raves. But I need a golden or more cocoa brown undertone to my nude lipsticks. They were just too much of what they were named after. Milky! (But I have seen the shade appear flattering on other wearers).

alittlepopofcoral.com

Besides, I was already eyeing my usual favorites of plums, reds and dark pinks. While I was testing color after color of the in-between oranges and reds, I damn near bought American Doll and then told myself “stop it!” It’s literally a carbon copy of Milani’s Matte Confident lipstick. Which also means, they are both the perfect reds and on some real shit, I probably will get American Doll at some point because I’m obsessive when I like something in makeup. American Doll is one of ABH’s prettiest shades. Oh, and I really, really wanted to get either Heathers or their new shade Craft (because plums) but again, I had to restrain myself. I have those types of colors ten times over in my makeup caddies.

Based on Jaclyn Hill‘s video video review I was willing to go orange, but still, I was finding them just too bright for me. There were the corals (Neon, Retro, Electric), Persimmon and Spicy. I began to lean most towards Spicy. I noticed that if I applied it lightly at first and smushed my lips to distribute, it was certainly bright but not overbearing. I actually liked it! It’s like a mattified neon orange and I felt like one of those African models in fashion and makeup ads with their lips painted in a technicolor violet purple or lemon because those girls with the gorgeous dark skin tones stay in such shades for advertisements. If I was going to spend $20 on a liquid lipstick, I wanted to go differently about it. Spicy was fulfilling the goal. The makeup counter girl at Macy’s complimented me and said it was “perfect for summer.”

Texture-wise, like most liquid lipsticks, it may feel uncomfortably watery (like L.A. Girl’s Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss) at first, suddenly not, and then a bit drying. But I think that occurs when you’ve applied too much at once for any liquid product. Do it slowly and add-on gradually. Afterwards, you can even apply a thin layer of lip gloss to feel less matte (classic tip).

The packaging is also sleek, with Anastasia’s usual swirls and logo in gold.

I definitely still believe that a cost of $20, it’s overpriced for a liquid lipstick. Around that price range, you could also consider Stila’s All Day Liquid Lipstick which is the best of its kind because it’s the ideal amalgam of not being matte or glossy. Also, Lime Crime’s Velvetines are impressively rich in their color. But, I don’t regret buying ABH’s either. It is matte like it promised and I liked that I went outside the box of my go-to’s. There are so many shades, if you choose to buy one, you will find your signature color. (Can I say again how awesome American Doll is again?)

*Sidenote: There’s a part in the video when Hill talks about Heathers and she references the classic Winona Ryder film. She calls it a ’90s film, but it was actually released in 1989. Let the ’80s children have their day!